TIA and Customs and Border Protection Leadership Discuss Import Process Improvements

June 21, 2016 | In advance of the critical fourth quarter shipping season, on June 14, Toy Industry Association (TIA) president and CEO Steve Pasierb and members of TIA’s External Affairs team met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske to discuss trade facilitation and import surveillance at ports.

Several topics were raised on behalf of TIA members, including:

  • Import inspections. TIA representatives highlighted the significant delays and costs associated with inspections and requested CBP continue to look for efficiencies in the inspection process and improve communication with importers, especially during peak holiday shipping season.
  • Trusted trader programs. As most TIA members are small businesses, many cannot go through the qualification process to become “trusted traders.” TIA and CBP discussed options for these smaller members to lower their import “risk profiles.”  Member companies who participate in trusted trader programs had their interests represented as well. Though these programs are designed to expedite the import process and decrease the frequency and lengths of examinations, some “trusted traders” have been subject to unreasonable delays and inspections.
  • Communication. TIA commended CBP for improved communications and ongoing dialogue between both groups; however, it was requested that port officers better explain to importers the reasons for examinations and inspections.
  • E-Commerce. TIA and CBP discussed e-commerce’s impact on the supply chain and the challenges TIA members and CBP officers face in keeping counterfeit products out of the market. CBP plans to develop an office of e-commerce and indicated it would reach out to TIA to participate as strategic partners in its development.

“Commissioner Kerlikowske and his team have facilitated excellent communication and collaboration,” said Pasierb. “TIA is supportive of import surveillance at the ports and we look forward to working with CBP to prevent costly delays from holding up compliant cargo.”

For more information, contact Rebecca Mond, TIA’s senior director of federal government affairs (646.454.7716).